FTA urges government to boost logistics apprenticeships21 October 2015

More government support is needed to boost apprenticeships in the logistics sector, including extending loans beyond the age of 24 to fund licence acquisition.

That’s the key message from the Freight Transport Association (FTA) in its submission to the Transport Select Committee’s inquiry on skills and workforce planning for the road haulage sector.

The Committee is investigating and assessing the government’s response to concerns about the lack of skilled drivers in the sector. FTA estimates a shortfall of around 60,000 drivers across the UK.

FTA says the government should ensure that apprenticeships are in place by 2017 to encourage younger people into the industry, and that it should extend the 24+ Advanced Learning Loan to enable greater financial support.

FTA surveyed its members in July and more than 80% of companies reported delays in being able to hire permanent LGV drivers. Almost a third indicated they suffered lengthy delays or were unable to fill vacancies; two-thirds reported problems hiring temporary drivers through agencies.

FTA also says more driver facilities are needed throughout the UK road network. It urges local authorities to ensure that business and industrial developments include provision for LGV parking and rest facilities.

Christopher Snelling, FTA’s head of national and regional policy, says: “The government needs to take urgent action to help the logistics industry tackle the driver shortage and attract younger people to the industry.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Freight Transport Association Ltd

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